Wild Turkey
Real Bourbon, No Shortcuts — The Russell Family Legacy
The brand takes its name from a 1940 hunting trip, when distillery executive Thomas McCarthy brought samples of bourbon to share with friends while hunting wild turkeys. The bourbon was so popular that friends kept asking for 'that wild turkey bourbon,' and a brand was born.
Jimmy Russell joined the distillery in 1954 and has never left. He's overseen more than 60 years of continuous production, making him the longest-tenured active Master Distiller in the world. His philosophy is simple: use good grain, ferment it properly, distil it once, and let the barrel do its work.
The Story
Founded 1869
Wild Turkey enters the barrel at a lower proof than most bourbons (115 proof vs. the industry standard of 125), meaning less water is added and more of the natural grain character is preserved. This is why Wild Turkey 101 tastes fuller and more flavourful than higher-proof competitors.
The Wild Turkey Style
Wild Turkey uses a high-rye mashbill that gives its bourbon a distinctive spicy kick. The barrels are deep-charred (#4 'alligator' char) to maximise caramel and vanilla extraction, and the low barrel-entry proof means more grain character survives maturation.
The result is bourbon that's bold, spicy, and unmistakably full-flavoured. Wild Turkey 101 at 50.5% ABV is the bartender's secret weapon — robust enough to stand up in any cocktail, characterful enough to sip neat.
Signature Notes
Wild Turkey 101
The quintessential bourbon. At 50.5% ABV, it delivers bold vanilla, caramel, and rye spice with a full body and long finish. At under $25, it's arguably the best value in American whiskey.
Whiskies from Wild Turkey
5 expressions in our collection · Average rating: 4.3
Visiting Wild Turkey
The new visitor centre overlooking the Kentucky River is stunning. Jimmy Russell still occasionally greets visitors — if you see him, count yourself lucky.
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